The development of LTi cells

Curr Opin Immunol. 2012 Apr;24(2):178-83. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2012.02.003. Epub 2012 Mar 1.

Abstract

Lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells are programmed by the mammalian fetus to induce the development of lymph nodes and Peyer's patches. LTi cells share a pro-inflammatory profile with Th17 cells, as well as their requirement for the transcription factor RORγt. We discuss here the latest data on the fetal and post-natal development of LTi cells, and their relationship with the larger family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). We suggest that the re-programming of RORγt in a subset of common lymphoid progenitors allowed mammals to develop lymphoid organs before birth, whereas other vertebrates only develop such organs in response to infection or injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Lymphoid Tissue / cytology*
  • Lymphoid Tissue / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*
  • Th17 Cells / immunology